Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing

Boston has a severe affordable housing crisis. A recent HUD report shows vacancy in Boston’s rental market at 4% and the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,900/month. If no more than 1/3 of household income should go towards rent to be able to pay bills, buy groceries, and cover other everyday living expenses, you must earn over $60,000/year to maintain housing in Greater Boston. And, if there is more than one of you or you have children, you must all be able to share the same bedroom.

Our goal is to help people make a permanent move beyond homelessness to independence. The vocational training, adult education, life skills and transitional housing programs we support serve as national models on how to accomplish this. However, our community’s housing crisis is making it more and more difficult for people to achieve true independence in homes of their own.

Our Permanent Affordable Housing Programs for formerly homeless women and men works to provide a solution to this crisis.

For referral information or an application please call the Program Director at (617) 524-5967.

Valentine Women’s House

Valentine fills a gap in vital services by providing supportive housing to formerly homeless women, many of whom have children who are temporarily in the state foster care system or residing with friends and family. Located in a beautiful Mansard Victorian in Roxbury, Valentine provides women the safety, serenity and support they need to gain additional skills, education, income, and stability needed to become self-sufficient, reunite with their children, and lead independent lives.

Our House Manager works with women to address the many challenges homeless women face including violence, abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, insufficient education, job skills, work experience, and life skills.

Women are also assisted in reuniting with their children and transitioning with them into housing in the community. Visitation with children and family is an integral part of the program.

For referral information or an application please call the Program Director at (617) 442-5239.

Wise Street provides housing for people who are capable of living independently, but are in need of affordable housing where they can maintain their independence. The program provides the services of a Case Manager and is designed to foster a sense of community and peer-support that provides long-term stability and helps residents reintegrate into the community; elements crucial to a permanent move beyond homelessness.

Thank you to Franklin Square House Foundation for generously supporting Valentine.